Through an ongoing process of public consultation,
strategic planning and the use of dedicated community
focus groups, this plan provides a framework for
development from 2017 until 2022.

3 and appendix 4 is to make Lawrencetown village an
attractive place for inward migration and retention of
a higher proportion of the natural population.
The actions which emerged from the process of
community consultation, which was undertaken as

➡ THIS DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

part of the formulation of this plan, have shaped the
vision of Lawrencetown as an attractive, cohesive and

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ii

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Chapter 1 - Introduction
Introduction
(a) LAWRENCETOWN & THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Lawrencetown Village is a village in East Galway
at the confluence of three counties, Roscommon,
Offaly, and Tipperary. It is only ten minutes
from the towns of Ballinasloe and Banagher, 20
minutes from Portumna, thirty minutes from
the towns of Birr and Athlone and forty minutes
from Galway city. (See appendix 1 for details
of Lawrencetown’s location, demographics,
challenges and attributes) The R355 is the main
artery running through the village and a recent
traffic survey (February 2017) indicates a high
trafficked road with approximately 1500 vehicles
passing through on a daily basis. (See appendix 5
for further details).

R355

Aughrim

COUN

TY RO

COUN

SCOM
MO

N

TY GA
LWAY

Ferbane

R357
R437

Lawrencetown Clonfert
Eyrecourt

R355
Killimor

Y

NT

GA

U
CO

Tynagh

.T
CO

R355
R353
R352

The Lawrencetown Community Development
Group (LCDG) was formed in 1997 to improve the
social, educational and economic environment
of Lawrencetown village and its surroundings.
It is a company Limited by Guarantee and has
charitable status. (See appendix 3 for details
of Lawrencetown’s Community Development
Group's structure).

Shannonbridge

Clontuskert
Kiltormer

the River Shannon & River Suck has influenced
the development of the Lawrencetown area in a
variety of ways especially in the area of farming
& agriculture.

Portumna

IP

AY
LW

P

Y
AR
ER

a
Sh
er
RiCOv UCOUNTY OFF
NTY

Shannon Harbour

n

o
nn

R356

Banagher

TIPP

ALY

ERA

RY

R357

R356
R438

R439

Ballymore Castle Entrance

R438

R489
R438

Birr

Lawrencetown Location Map.

(b) VISION & MISSION
Vision Statement.

A varied landscape of fine agricultural land,
forestry, peat lands and a close proximity to

01

To develop the village of Lawrencetown as an
attractive, cohesive & vibrant community for all
its citizens.

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Introduction
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Mission Statement.
To develop and implement creative communitybased strategies to enhance the village’s social,
educational and economic environment and
ensure a dynamic framework for quality growth and
development. This will be achieved by encouraging
the entire community’s participation in bottomup community-led local development through
the use of working focus groups to implement an
agreed series of community development actions.
Value Statement.
The group's work is guided and informed by the
development groups ethos and dedication to:
 Inclusiveness:

LCDG respects people, values
diversity and is committed to community
consultation, engagement and equality.
 Participation: LCDG values and recognises the

contribution of volunteers within the group and
the community and is devoted to a culture of
teamwork and co-operation.
 Quality:

and importance for complete transparency in all
the group’s actions and endeavours in order to
maintain the community’s trust and respect.
(c)

PREVIOUS PLANS & ACHIEVEMENTS
1999 - 2004

Several successful community development
initiatives have been undertaken by the
Lawrencetown Community Development Group
since its formation in 1997. Having proceeded on
an ad-hoc basis in the early stages, the group

Local kids helping out at the ‘Community Clean Up’

then decided to formalise their work with a fully
documented plan for the development of the
community from 1999-2004. As a result of this
plan the following short and long term community
projects have been completed:
Projects Completed.
1. Upgrade works to the Volunteer Arch Monument
and Gate Lodges.
2. Construction of the road access into the
Lisheen river walk and Seymour Mausoleum.
3. Initial set-up and ongoing operation of the
‘Care Bears ‘ (ECCE) Community Playschool.
4. Establishment of a Parish community garden.
The garden is maintained by community
employment scheme workers and provides a
supply of flowers each year which are used in
flowerbeds throughout the village.
5. Upgrade works to widen and refurbish the
entrance to Ballymore castle.
6. Establishment of recycling ‘bring
adjacent to the Community Hall.

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banks’

02

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Introduction
Chapter 1 - Introduction
7. Refurbishment works at the Lismany gate lodge.
Works included shot blasting and painting of
railings as well as repair to the stone wall.
8. Refurbishment of the old community pump on
the Banagher Road with a new pump installed
at this location.
9. Stone signage on way into village installed
and flower beds adjacent to them maintained
by community employment scheme workers.
Money is invested each year for new flowers
and trees.

out under a Galway County Council village
renewal scheme.
14. Walking and Cycling Routes which pass
through Lawrencetown (e.g. The Hymany Way)
were established and installed with assistance
and co-operation from the Lawrencetown
Community Development Group.
15. Installation of a boardwalk in Kylemore raised
bog. The land is leased from Bord Na Mona
and allows access to the bog for education
and information purposes and promotes
biodiversity in the area.
16. The local graveyard has been maintained by
the Lawrencetown Community Development
Group and community employment scheme
workers for lthe last number of years. A new
graveyard committee has recently been
established which will assume responsibility
for its upkeep.

Rejuvenating our Community Hall, 2016.

10. Purchase and renovation of The Ochilmore
Store Building as offices and training/meeting
rooms.
11. Purchase of community field to rear of school
for development.
12.
Secured charity status for the group Registered Charity No. 20077907 CHY (Revenue)
No. 19795.
13.
Enhancement of parking facilities and
Lawrencetown Green. This work was carried

03

These successful outcomes resulting from the
initial development plan have contributed to the
outlook of the community and have assisted in
slowing village decline. This positive work has
resulted in numerous local residents returning to
the village to settle, build and to rear their young
families.

(d)

UPDATED PLAN, AIMS, OBJECTIVES
& RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

This updated 5 Year Development Plan will cover
the period 2017 – 2022 and sets out to achieve a
balance between the local development needs
as identified by the community in March 2016
and the goals and themes of Ireland’s Rural
Development Programme 2014-2020. The group

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Introduction
Chapter 1 - Introduction
is determined to further enhance the village’s
economic and entrepreneurial development, the
social inclusiveness and the environment of the
village with an area-based, bottom-up, innovative,
integrative, co-operative approach in line with
European, National and local rural development
plans. (See appendix 3 for overarching rural
development strategic plans).
Aim of Plan
The aim of the strategic plan is to coherently
outline the necessary actions which will realise
the vision for Lawrencetown village and assist the
Lawrencetown Community Development Group in
communicating the vision and necessary actions
to the wider community, government departments,
local representatives and sources of funding.
In order to do this the community development
group has gathered together the views of the
community, analysed these views, measured
them against overarching government objectives
and presented the views in a coherent way
which allows the Lawrencetown Community
Development Group prioritise actions to achieve
the agreed vision for the village.
Objectives of Plan
The objectives of

the

strategic

plan

4. To identify suitable actions to promote the
strengths and mitigate the weaknesses.
5. To act as a framework to assist local
government including Galway County Council
and local representatives in steering future
development in the area.
6. To assist in securing funding for projects
proposed within this plan, and other projects/
actions in the future.
7. To encourage the entire community’s
participation in bottom-up, community-led
local development by reflecting their work
through the focus groups in a coherent and
succinct document.
8. To be a ‘live’ working document, open to change
as progress continues and to be a flexible plan,
receptive to ongoing suggestions within the
overall strategy.

are:

1. To identify areas of concern for the local
community and identify where these concerns
fit within the national rural development
priorities.
2. To enable the local community to analyse and
define the value of their village and identify its
strengths and weaknesses.
3. To act as a tool for assessing those strengths
and weaknesses.

Community Clean Up 2016.

Since March 2016 the following has already been
achieved:
1. Widespread Community Consultation in
2016 through the following methods:

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Introduction
Chapter 1 - Introduction
3. Establishment of a community Parent &
Toddler Group in July 2016.
4 Community Hall Clean and Paint, all work
done by local volunteers.
5. Community Spirit Fun Weekend in September
2016.
Community Spirit FunWeekend in September 2016.

➡
public meeting to establish the needs and

wants of the community,

➡
establishment of a community
facebook page
➡
use of a village suggestion box
➡
establihment of a community text
messaging service
➡
national school community art initiative to
establish the needs and wants of the
children of the community.

6. Community Halloween Party in October 2016.
7. Community Christmas event including new
Christmas lights and a Santa visit in December
2016.
8. Planning permission granted for Community
Playground in December 2016.
9. Lawrencetown ‘Get Active’ Community fitness
event for month of January 2017. As a result of
this initiative a local walking group has been
established and fitness classes continued.

➡
community survey (online and hardcopy)

10. Various meetings with local county
councillors, TD’s and county council
specialised professionals in areas of biodiversity, heritage & sustainability.

2. First Community Spring Clean Up in association
with Galway County Council & An Taisce in
April 2016.

11. Ongoing management of community assets
(i.e. The Store Building and Field behind the
school), local recycling ‘bring banks’ and
support to the local graveyard committee.

Christmas 2016.

‘Get Active’ community fitness event, January 2017.

➡
regular community update meetings

05

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Introduction
Chapter
1 - Introduction

Our National School art initiative: Pupils wishes for the community.

A synopsis of the children's suggestions and wishes.

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forward. Suggestions were categorised under a
number of headings. The various themes were

The Lawrencetown Community Development
Group strategic plan evolved from a detailed
community consultation process undertaken
by the development group in March 2016
commencing with a community meeting held on
23rd March whereby the entire community had
an opportunity to put forward their thoughts
and views. The introduction of a new community
facebook page and a community suggestion
box placed in the church, a national school art
initiative and a community text message service
allowed all suggestions/ideas to be brought

• Publicc Meetings
nal School
• National
Input

1

then further distilled down and grouped into
four focus groups which were established in May.
These groups are:
(a) Heritage / Village Enhancement
(b) Fitness, Health & Wellbeing / Older Adults
(c) Parent & Child / Youth
(d) Community Spirit
These focus groups are working independently
and also in co-operation where themes overlap
to realise the various suggestion and ideas.

Summary of the consultation methods used and the resulting focus groups.

Community Meeting March 2016.

07

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Chapter 2 - Community Consultation & Engagement Process
Four Stages of Public Consultation:
1. A public community meeting was held
on 23rd March in the local community
hall whereby the entire community gave
their valued input when asked to voice
their suggestions and ideas for amenities,
services, initiatives, developments etc.
that they would like to see become a
reality in the village.
2. A community Facebook page, a community
e-mail, a suggestion box in the local
church and notices in the local newsletter
invited all the community to express the
issues that are important to them and
their families.

Attitude Towards
Work of the Group

■ Very Positive (76%)

■ Somewhat Positive (24%)

■ Somewhat Negative (0%) ■ Negative (0%)

Survey result: Attitude towards work of group.

3. To summarise findings of this process
all the community’s suggestions and
ideas highlighted through the above
consultation process were carefully listed
and categorised under various headings
observing that this consultation process
is constant, ever-changing, always ongoing and totally transparent and open to
all members of the community.

4. A follow up Community Survey was
conducted in December 2016 to ‘take the
pulse’ of the community and to ascertain
if the methodology of the development
group was appropriate. The following
graphs are a snapshot of some of the
survey results.

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Chapter 2 - Community Consultation & Engagement Process

Willingness to get
involved in the work
of the group

villages vision and strategic objectives which
are in line with European, National and local
rural development plans. Each focus group will
examine the village needs for their particular
area and report back to the development
group committee with proposed actions and
recommendations. This allows for members of
the community to involve themselves in the
group that interests them most.

(C) INTERACTION WITH KEY AGENCIES
■ Strongly Agree (12%)

■ Agree (79%)

■ Disagree (3%)

■ Strongly Disagree (6%)

Survey result: Willingness of public to get involved.

(B) FOCUS GROUPS
To produce a meaningful strategic plan from
this bottom-up community led approach the
development group decided that the most
effective and efficient way to progress this course
was to encourage the formation of the following
focus groups:
1. Heritage, Infrastructure & Village
Enhancement Focus Group
2. Health, Fitness/Well-Being & Older Adult
Focus Group
3. Parent, Youth and Child Focus Group
4. Community Spirit Focus Group
The objective of each of these groups is to
work inter-dependently, inter-changeably and
simultaneously in co-operation to achieve the

09

Discussions were conducted with various agencies
whose support is required for implementation
and achievement of the various objectives and
goals:
1. Galway County Council Councillors, Engineers,
the Community Enterprise and Economic
Development Officer and the Heritage Officer,
Biodiversity Officer and Sustainability Officer
have been contacted for direction and invited
to meet with the community group.
2. Galway Rural Development Co. Ltd has been
contacted and invited to liaise with the village
development group.
3. Government T.D.’s have been informed of the
groups future plans, have attended meetings
and have agreed to receive this development
plan once finalised.
4. Government departments such as the
Department of Child and Youth Affairs, National
Lottery, Office of Public Works, An Pobal, the
Road Safety Authority and the Department
of Education and Skills have been consulted.

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Chapter 2 - Community Consultation & Engagement Process
This consultation and engagement process, due
to its nature will be on-going throughout the
period of this development plan.
(D) REVIEW PROCESS REVIEW

PROCESS

On an annual basis the community group
will review and evaluate the consultation and
engagement process to ensure the bottomup approach is appropriate and the strategic
objectives of the development plan are being
achieved.
Should the process need to be enhanced or
intensified to meet specific plan goals, new
consultation procedures will be evaluated and
implemented following careful consideration and
ensuring that they will continue to meet the core
vision of the plan.
Community Clean Up 2016.

Community Spirit Fun Weekend 2016.

Community Spirit Fun Weekend in September 2016.

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Chapter 3 - Community Priority Action Plan

Action Plan
Through the consultation process it became
evident that action was required in the following
areas:

business skills in rural communities needs to be
explored and Lawrencetown could serve as a test
case/ pilot project for such a study.
The majority of actions outlined in this plan will
serve to improve the quality of life of the local

9. Community Spirit

community and may serve to attract people

Therefore the bulk of the strategic plan addresses
these topics and outlines the specific actions
which were identified through the focus groups
over the 12 month period, March 2016 - February
2017. However, this plan also includes and
considers three aspects which were addressed in
the previous strategic plan with a view to further
exploring if there is a desire or a need to further
address these areas. These three areas are:

concerns of the community, the root cause(s) of

Social Dancing Class 2017.

11

to the village but in order to fully address the
depopulation as well as the lack of high value,
innovative industries needs also to be identified
and addressed. Each focus group has outlined its
short term and long term goals in appendix 4 and
have prioritised those that are achievable within
the first two years of this Community Development
Plan i.e. 2017 - 2019.

Fitness Class 2017.

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Chapter 3 - Community Priority Action Plan
Table of prioritised actions: These are actions that can be achieved by end 2019.
The next iteration of this plan will include an updated list of priority actions.
(See appendix 4 for full list of actions.)
TOPIC
ACTION INDICATIVE
COST
(a) Heritage

Develop Heritage Trail Brochure - V1 will be a mix of built, cultural and

Schematic of Lawrencetown Village Centre with Proposed Village Enhancement Projects

restore pillars and gate

woodland wildflower herbaceous layer

INDICATIVE LAYOUT – VILLAGE CENTRE

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Chapter 3 - Community Priority Action Plan

16

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Chapter 3 - Community Priority Action Plan

'Community Spirit Fun Weekend 2016'.

Rejuvenating our Community Hall, 2016.

Early Morning Walkers / Runners.

Enjoying the Siel Bleu Exercise Class.

Volunteer group for the Community Clean Up 2016..

17

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Chapter 4 - Management, Accountability & Funding
A thorough consultation process was undertaken
as outlined in chapter 2 in order to develop the
Lawrencetown Community Development Group
strategic plan. A participative model will be used
in its implementation involving representative
focus groups and its general management is
conducted through an overarching committee.

Yearly Accounts

The legal structure adopted by the community
development group is that of a company limited by
guarantee and this structure obliges compliance
with the monitoring and requirements of
company law.

The group appoints an independent accountant
to prepare its Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet for
each year ending 31st July for presentation at the
company A.G.M and for filing with the Companies
Registration Office on its Annual Return Date of
31st May.

Evaluation of the actions undertaken against the
desired outcomes is considered a necessary part
of the ongoing work of the group, and will be
reported at the company AGM. It will principally
be the role of the focus groups to provide
these progress reports on their specific areas
of responsibility, and the role of the board to
report on the overall effectiveness of structures,
procedures and policies.

In March 2016 the company limited by guarantee
availed of the provision in the Companies Act 2014,
in respect of the exemption from the requirement
to have the accounts of the company audited and
became audit exempt.

Monthly Income & Expenditure Account Reports
The company directors and community at large
will be issued with a:
 Detailed breakdown of all income and
expenditure report.
 Income & Expenditure will be broken down
based on specific group assets and initiatives
e.g. Charity Donations, Community Store,
Community Field, Tidy Towns and Graveyard
Maintenance, and Community Events &
Playschool.

An annual budget will be drawn up to cover (1)
administration costs, (2) specific actions and
support costs related to these actions. The budget
will be drawn up at the end of the fourth quarter
of each financial year, July, for the following year.

 A report will be cumulative to allow for
comparison of real expenditure with that
budgeted.

Analysis of yearly costing budget against end of
year actual expenditure will be carried out to
identify possible problems for the future and
assist the formulation of preventative actions to
meet such problems.

 Bank balances and reconciliations with bank
statements.

 Debtors & creditors outstanding at month
end.

 Current bank account balance broken down to
ring-fence income & expenditure report.

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Chapter 4 - Management, Accountability & Funding
Financial Decisions:
Approval limits have been put in place setting
limits on expenditure to cover the purchase of
stationary, office equipment etc.
a) Amounts over €200 must be passed at
board level.
b) Requests for tender must obtained for any
purchase over €500.
c) Purchases are based on a best value for
money basis.
d) No payment will be made without a proper
invoice, official request, or expense forms.
e) All banking 365 online payment transfers
are to be approved by all elected committee
members by e-mail i.e. Chairperson,
Secretary, Treasurer & PRO.
f) Petty cash will be run at €50 and topped
up if balance falls to €25 or less.

(B) FUNDING GOALS
Following the groups consultation and engagement
process funding goals have been established
in line with the 5-year village development
strategy. These funding goals are consistent
with the community’s vision and priorities to
develop Lawrencetown as an attractive, cohesive
and vibrant community for all its citizens and
are needed to develop and implement creative
community based strategies to enhance the
village’s social, educational and economic
environment and ensure a dynamic framework for
the area’s growth and development.

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Chapter 4 - Management, Accountability & Funding

FUNDRAISING SHOULD
BE IN THE FORM OF:
A smaller weekly
contribution of
€2 per week
A reduced monthly
payment over a
specific timeframe
eg. €10 per month

A once off household
donation eg. €100

A once off large
organised fundraiser

Survey results: Community fundraising suggestions.

(c) FUNDING STRATEGY
The funding strategy has been carefully
considered in conjunction with the community
consultation and engagement process. The
Community Survey conducted in December
2016 asked the views of the community, a
fundraising committee has been formed
and the group has considered the following:
1. Has the group a strong ‘case for support’?
Since the public meeting in March 2016 a lot
of work has been done to enhance the group’s
values of inclusiveness, participation, quality and
transparency. Given the large community numbers
that have attended the various community events
i.e. The Village Clean Up, Community Hall Clean/
Paint, Community Fun Weekend, Halloween
Family Event and Christmas lights & Santa Event

it is evident that the group has established a
positive case for support from the community.
2. Groups Internal and External fundraising SWOT
Analysis.

STRENGTHS/OPPORTUNITES
 Group is raising funds for community led
projects.
 Positivity & Support within the community.
 Rejuvenated group with a hardworking ‘can
do’ attitude.
 Group has very productive business and
social contacts outside the village.
 Local businesses are very supportive and
positive towards the group.

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Chapter 4 - Management, Accountability & Funding
WEAKNESSES / THREATS
 Village population, although it’s growing, it
is still very limited when raising money in
the sums necessary to make a significant
improvement.
 Same people being approached repeatedly
to make contributions.
 Same businesses being approached
repeatedly to make contributions.
 Fundraising in other parishes on-going
for similar projects so careful planning of
fundraising dates is essential.

3. Groups analysis of what is working for other
organisations
Committee considered other community groups
which have similar goals as our village and
identified the following fundraisers which have
worked very well for them:
 Monster Auctions.
 Activity Based Fundraisers - Strictly Come
Dancing, White Collar Boxing, Talent Shows,
Cookery Demo’s, Race Nights.
 Celebrity Music / Dance ticketed events.

4. Funding Timelines & Critical Path
Based on the above approach the committee
has decided to focus on one small community
fundraiser in the year’s first quarter and one
large fundraiser in the last quarter and all other
community spirit events will be organised with
the aim of being cost neutral.

21

Community Spirit FunWeekend in September 2016.

5. Funding Sources
The committee has considered all the following
funding sources and hopes by pursuing these
various schemes and government bodies with this
development plan as a basis for investment along
with constant community work and commitment
that it will secure funding to facilitate the
Lawrencetown Community in achieving its
prioritised goals over the next 5 years:

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Chapter 4 - Management, Accountability & Funding
 Local community fundraising events – 2 yearly
 Local business support
 A community gain fund from a proposed wind
farm development in the area.
 European, National and Regional Government
funding schemes including but not limited to:
➡ LEADER Programme
➡ CLAR Programme
➡ Town & Village Renewal Scheme
➡ Sports Capital Programme
➡ Tusla
➡ Community Involvement Scheme
➡ Community Support Scheme
➡ Notice of Motion Monies from working
closely with local county councilors

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Appendices / Appendix 1: Lawrencetown Overview

Location map of Lawrencetown / East Galway

(a) MAPS / LOCATION:

23

R355

Aughrim

COUN

TY RO

COUN

SCOM
M

ON

TY GA
LWAY

Shannonbridge
Ferbane

Clontuskert
Kiltormer

R357
R437

Lawrencetown Clonfert

Killimor

Y

T
UN

GA

CO

Tynagh

.T
CO

R355
R353
R352

Portumna

IP

AY
LW

PE

RY
RA

R357

on R356
nn Banagher R438

R356

Eyrecourt

R355

Shannon Harbour

a
Sh

er
RiCvOUCOUNTY OF
NT

YT

IPP

FAL
Y

ERA

RY

R439
R438

R489
R438

Birr

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Lawrencetown Village Map

Appendices / Appendix 1: Lawrencetown Overview

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Appendices / Appendix 1: Lawrencetown Overview
(b) DEMOGRAPHICS

This is reflected in the recent increase in numbers
to attend Lawrencetown N.S. up to 2020.

The successful outcomes of the original
development plan has contributed to combatting
the underlying effects caused by decline of
the village population in the 1990s. Despite
recessionary times this positive work has
resulted in numerous local residents returning
to the village to rear their young families which
indicates the positive effects resulting from the
initial development plan.

Also recent preliminary population results from
2016 census has proved the Lawrencetown area
and its surrounding townlands performing very
positively in comparison to neighbouring villages.
Again this further compliments and accredits the
positive effects from the initial development
plan.

Lawrencetown N.S. Projected Child No.s
14
12
10

Lawrencetown N.S. Projected Child No.s

14
12
10

8

8

6

6

4

4

2

2
0

0
2015
2015

2016

2016

2017

2018

2017

2019

2018

2020

2019

2021

2020

2021

Also recent preliminary population results from 2020 census has proved the Lawrencetown area and

Lawrencetown
National
School
projected
enrollment
numbers
2016
- 2020.
Also recent
preliminary
population
results
from
2020 census
has proved
the
Lawrencetown
its surrounding
townlands
performing
very
positively
in comparison
to neighbouring
villages.area
Againand
its surrounding
townlands
performing
very
positively
in
comparison
to
neighbouring
villages.
this further compliments and accredits the positive effects from the initial development plan. Again
this further compliments and accredits the positive effects from the initial development plan.
20

Both the school number trends and the census preliminary results further enhances the necessity for
the current Lawrencetown Development Group to build on the success of the original development
plan and maintain these positive developments.

email: lcg@lawrencetown.com ď&#x201A;&#x; Find us on Facebook / Lawrencetown Community Development Group
Both the
number
and the census preliminary results further enhances the necessity for
c. school
Challenges
of trends
the area:
the current
Development
to build
the success
of thethrough
originalthe
development
ď&#x201A;ˇ Lawrencetown
Population- there
remains an Group
increasing
trendon
toward
urbanisation
growth of
plan and maintain
developments.
small these
urban positive
centres and
a continuing decline in remote rural areas. Luckily the

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Appendices / Appendix 1: Lawrencetown Overview
Both the school number trends and the census
preliminary results further enhances the necessity
for the current Lawrencetown Development
Group to build on the success of the original
development plan and maintain these positive
developments.

Population- there remains an increasing trend
toward urbanisation through the growth of
small urban centres and a continuing decline
in remote rural areas. Luckily the Lawrencetown
area appears to be opposing this trend hence the
necessity for rapid investment and development
of services to maintain this growth.

This progression and upgrading of Lawrencetown
Community’s Strategic Development Plan, on a
bottom-up, community-led, local development
basis, is a pro-active response to the current
and future challenges for rural villages, and is
consistent with the EU 6 Rural Development
Priorities, the National Rural Development
Programme 2014-2020, specifically
measure
7, relating to village renewal in rural areas and
measure 19, relating to support for LEADER Local
Development Projects and with the Galway
County Development Plan 2015-2021.

 Agriculture - the number of farms and
agricultural employment is declining; the age
structure of farmers is unbalanced; many
farms are non-viable and over-dependence
on direct payments is becoming the norm.

As such it is vital that it attracts the support of
the many government agencies required to act
in partnership to deliver this series of integrated
actions for Lawrencetown village to face these
challenges in an efficient and sustainable manner.

(c) CHALLENGES IN THE AREA

 Employment - job creation and employment
are increasing, however rural areas are still
at a disadvantage compared with major
urban centres in attracting new investment,
particularly in the services sector.
 Social deprivation - poverty and social
exclusion remain significant problems in rural
areas in particular among rural village’s aging
populations.
 Amenity Shortage – the aging population and
urbanisation trends over the past decades
have resulted in a lack of investment in local
amenities for young families. This forces the
daily commute to local towns to avail of basic
social facilities like pitches, playgrounds etc.
 Environment - there is growing concern for
the protection of the environment which

(d) VILLAGE ATTRIBUTES
Location
As can be seen from the maps in section (a),
Lawrencetown is located in East Galway at the
confluence of three counties, Roscommon, Offaly,
and Tipperary. It is ten minutes drive from local
towns Ballinasloe, Banagher & Portumna and is
easily accessible from Dublin, Athlone and Galway
city via the M6 Motorway, Exit 15.
Landscape
A varied landscape of fine agricultural land,
forestry, peat lands and a close proximity to the
River Shannon & River Suck has influenced the
development of Lawrencetown and its hinterland
in a variety of ways.

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26

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Appendices / Appendix 1: Lawrencetown Overview
Heritage
The village and its surrounding area is very rich
in history; natural, built & cultural heritage with
the village dating back to 1700. With its follies
and arch monuments, Ballymore Castle, Lismany
House, the Lisheen and Seymour’s Mausoleum,
to name but a few features, Lawrencetown is a
historian's and archeologist’s paradise.
Broadband
The village currently has access to high speed
broadband and under the National Broadband
Plan it is hoped the fibre broadband will be rolled
out in the area by 2020.

Community Clean up 2016.

Community Spirit
The
community’s
enthusiasm
to
make
Lawrencetown a better place to live has always
been a pivotal driver of the work been done in
the village under the previous development
plan. The next generation has now taken on the
mantle and development of the new strategy for
the village and with this new energy and spirit
the group endeavours to progress the village’s
development to new levels of sustainable growth.

Junior 'Hip Hop'.

27

'Siel Bleu' - Over 50s Exercise Class.

Community Kids Treasure Hunt.

email: lcg@lawrencetown.com  Find us on Facebook / Lawrencetown Community Development Group

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Appendices / Appendix 2: Overarching Rural Development Policies
The EU’s rural development policy is funded
through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural
Development worth €100 billion from 2014-2020,
with each EU country receiving an allocation of
this fund. Ireland receives €2.19 billion of this over
the 7-year period. At least 30% of EU funding for
each priority area must be dedicated to measures
relevant for environment and climate change and
at least 5% to LEADER. Each member State or
region develops its own rural development plan
based on these priority areas, develops measures
for achieving progress and set targets to measure
progress under each priority area.
The EU Rural Development Programme has 6
Priorities:
1. Promoting social inclusion, poverty
reduction & economic development in
rural areas. This priority area acts as the
overarching priority under which the actions
of Lawrencetown and the wider community
will be focused.
2. Fostering Knowledge transfer & Innovation
in agriculture, forestry & rural areas.
3. Enhancing competitiveness of all types of
agriculture and farm viability.
4. Promoting food chain organisation and risk
management in agriculture.
5. Restoring, preserving & enhancing
ecosystems dependent on agriculture &
forestry.
6. Promoting resource efficiency and
supporting the shift towards a low carbon
and climate resilient economy in agriculture,
food & forestry sectors.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the
Marine (DAFM) is the Managing Authority and

lead Government Department for Ireland’s
Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 but
rural affairs and LEADER funding in Ireland is
managed by the newly configured Department of
Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the
Gaeltacht since 2016. Ireland’s rural development
programme will fund actions under all of the six
Rural Development priorities – with a particular
emphasis on restoring, preserving and enhancing
ecosystems related to agriculture and forestry
as well as resource efficiency and climate. There
are a number of schemes in place for rural
development including the LEADER elements of
the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020,
the rollout of the Town and Village Renewal
Scheme and the pilot project in relation to Rural
Economic Development Zones.
The four biggest Rural Development measures in
Ireland in budgetary terms (total public funding)
are:
 €1.59 billion allocated to Agri-environment climate.
 €1.37 billion allocated to Payments to areas
facing natural constraints.
 €425 million allocated to Investments in
physical assets.
 €250 million allocated to Support for LEADER
local development.
The LEADER programme (an acronym in
French meaning Links between actions for
the development of the rural economy) is
an EU funding mechanism to support rural
development projects initiated at a local level in
order to revitalise rural areas and create jobs and
to support community-led local development
and has seven principles of local development.

email: lcg@lawrencetown.com  Find us on Facebook / Lawrencetown Community Development Group

The themes and sub themes that are supported
through LEADER are as follows:

2. Bottom-up: local actors design the strategy
and choose the actions.

1. Economic Development, Enterprise
Development & Job Creation

3. Public-private partnership: LAGs are
balanced groups involving public and
private-sector actors, which can mobilise all
available skills and resources.
4. Innovation: giving LAGs the flexibility to
introduce new ideas and methods.
5. Integration: between economic, social,
cultural and environmental actions, as
distinct from a sectoral approach.

email: lcg@lawrencetown.com  Find us on Facebook / Lawrencetown Community Development Group

Community
Spirit

30

H

31

Develop Heritage Trail
Brochure – V1 will be a mix
of built, cultural and natural
heritage. Establish heritage
trail / guided tour for local
National School and local
residents for heritage week
2017

Develop book to accompany
brochure based on the
national school children’s
interpretation of the history
of the area. Use Athenry
walled towns book as an
example.

Develop podcast of heritage
trail(s).

Establish heritage society/
group in Lawrencetown.

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

ACTION

1. Heritage

1.

Engage with local residents
and ascertain the appetite
for a regular heritage society
meeting. Organise regular
talks/ seminars for local
residents and visitors. Fist
such seminar will take place
on 15th April in Lawrencetown
Community Hall with the title
‘Architecture of Lawrencetown’.

Local residents and National
school children will be asked
to voice record heritage
information and stories. This
will then be available online
on the local website and
available as a digital guided
tour.

Engage with Lawrencetown NS
to begin process of heritage
stories being told by guest
speakers, followed by the
pupils developing stories and
drawings in their own words
based on the guest speakers
stories.

Produce Brochure before
August 2017

SHORT-TERM GOALS

Produce first podcast by
Heritage week 2018 and
further podcasts by heritage
week 2019.

Establishment and
development of a local
heritage society/ group.

100 for
series of
4 talks/
seminars

Produce booklet with
illustrations and stories for
heritage week 2018.

email: lcg@lawrencetown.com  Find us on Facebook / Lawrencetown Community Development Group
250

1000

3,000

250

1000

COST €

INDICATIVE
COST

Conduct refurbishment work
on the folly in 2017. This work
has been planned and a budget
allocated and is planned to start
in Spring 2017. The restoration
work will be carried out by
a qualified and experienced
stone mason who will be
assisted by members of a local
community employment scheme.
Engagement with Galway Co Co
conservation officer has been
established.

Conduct study of house in 2017

Engage with local residents
and ascertain the appetite for
a heritage office/ museum/
display area in 2017. This should
be an existing building in the
village centre to bring activity to
the village. Could be open for a
limited period of time, seasonally
or weekly and staffed through a
rural employment scheme

SHORT-TERM GOALS

Identify other such sites/
monuments to refurbish along
heritage trail.

Identify other such sites/
monuments to refurbish along
heritage trail.

Identify other such sites/
monuments to examine and
study and identify for heritage
trail.

Use an existing premises in
Lawrencetown and refurbish
to house a heritage office/
museum/ display area for use
by local residents and staffed
by a local resident creating
employment in the area.

LONG-TERM GOALS

250

250

250

80,000

COST €

INDICATIVE
COST

Rural Towns
Enterprise Development
Protection & Improvement of local biodiversity

3.
4.

Protection & Improvement of local biodiversity

4.

2.

Enterprise Development

3.

Rural Tourism

Rural Towns

2.

1.

Rural Tourism

Protection & Improvement of local biodiversity

4.
1.

Enterprise Development

3.

Rural Youth

5.

Rural Towns

Protection & Improvement of local biodiversity

4.

2.

Enterprise Development

3.

Rural Tourism

Rural Towns

2.

1.

Rural Tourism

1.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME THEMES

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Appendices / Appendix 4: Community Detailed Action Plan

32

1.

34
33

Establish a large bed of
flowers that will attract
bees and other pollinating
insects in the Parish
community garden in
Spring 2017

Field of native grass
flowers to be planted and
managed as an attractive
looking hay meadow in
Lawrencetown. Good for
pollinating insects.
Woodland flowers to be
planted under lime trees
Restoration of pillar and
gate

Introduction to biodiversity
features in Lawrencetown
for tidy towns application
and labelling and signage
of same for education of
local residents.

Maintenance of boardwalk,
promotion and awareness
of bog and boardwalk,
signage for education/
information purposes.
Engage with BnM on a
regular basis and engage
with local national school
who will be partaking in
the Bord na Mona ‘Eco
Rangers’ education activity.

Establish a pollinator bed:
A large bed of flowers that
will attract bees and other
pollinating insects.

Establish wildflower
meadow

Identification & description
of biodiversity features in
Lawrencetown

Develop Lismany/Kylemore
Bog

2.2

2.3

2.4

SHORT-TERM GOALS

2.1

ACTION

2.
1. Biodiversity

2000

1000
500

250

100.00

COST

Develop the bog into an
amenity which can be used
as a tourist attraction. The
Kylemore/ Lismany/ Derries
area is quite remote and prone
to illegal dumping – developing
the site and roadway will
encourage more trafficking
of the area and encourage
walkers, runners and nature
enthusiasts to use the area
more.

Through proper labelling
and signage the biodiversity
features of Lawrencetown
should become known to
residents and visitors alike and
make Lawrencetown a more
interesting place to walk and
explore.

Increase number and range of
flower meadows throughout the
village where appropriate.

Increase number and range
of pollinators throughout the
village where appropriate.

email: lcg@lawrencetown.com  Find us
on Facebook
/ Lawrencetown Community
Group
email:
lcg@lawrencetown.com
 FindDevelopment
us on Facebook

1.

Biodiversity

Hedge Planting

Ivy Maintainance

Beech Tree avenue. This is
one of the best features
of Lawrencetown and a
fine example of natural
biodiversity and heritage.

Engagement with Local
National School

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

ACTION

2. Biodiversity

Engage with local national
school in 2017 to enhance
mutual learning, raise
awareness and assist with
larger school projects if
required. The school has a
comprehensive biodiversity
plan and will take part
in Born a Mona ‘Eco
Rangers’ in Spring 2017.
The local national school
has achieved 6 green flag
awards and is now working
towards its 7th award.

Engage expert in 2017
to advise on long term
management of beech
tree avenue to ensure the
continued growth and
preservation of same.

Examine ivy in village
and tidy up same without
removing totally. Allow it
to remain berry forming.
Remove Ivy from Stone
sheds at Community
Garden

Plant berry forming
hedgerow shrubs to fill
gaps in various places in
the village.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

150

Involve entire community in
biodiversity actions in a top
down, community led approach
and a bottom up, school
children led approach.

Develop planting plan for
village for aesthetics as well as
biodiversity benefits.

LONG-TERM GOALS

500

COST €

INDICATIVE
COST

150

150

10,000

150

COST €

INDICATIVE
COST

Rural Towns
Rural Youth
Rural Environment
Rural Tourism

3.
4.
5.
6.

Rural Tourism

6.

Sustainability

Rural Environment

5.

2.

Rural Youth

4.

Protection and improvement of local
biodiversity

Rural Towns

3.

1.

Sustainability

Rural Tourism

6.

2.

Rural Environment

5.

Protection and improvement of local
biodiversity

Rural Youth

4.

1.

Rural Towns

Rural Tourism

6.

Sustainability

Rural Environment

5.

3.

Rural Youth

4.

2.

Rural Towns

3.

Protection and improvement of local
biodiversity

Sustainability

2.

1.

Protection and improvement of local
biodiversity

1.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME THEMES

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Appendices / Appendix 4: Community Detailed Action Plan

email: lcg@lawrencetown.com  Find us on Facebook / Lawrencetown Community Development Group

34

1.

Biodiversity

35

1.

Sustainability

Promote Awareness

Village Clean up days

Maintenance of Recycling
facility

3.1

3.2

ACTION

3. Sustainability

2.9

ACTION

2. Biodiversity

Continue to encourage use
of recycling facility and
enhance area by erecting
attractive fencing, signage
and art work. Engage with
local NS regarding artwork
for the site.

Organise village ‘Spring
Clean’ as part of national
initiative in April 2017.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

Erect signage in village, at
Lisheen and at Lismany
Bog area Erect bird boxes,
beast and bat habitats to
promote biodiversity but
also to raise awareness.
Hold community talks/
seminars on biodiversity
and natural heritage. Hold
flower arranging evenings
or seasonal (eg Christmas
wreaths) arrangement
making evenings using
natural foliage.

SHORT-TERM GOALS
Become a nature and
biodiversity aware sustainable
community. Through proper
education and signage the
biodiversity features of
Lawrencetown should become
known to residents and visitors
alike and make Lawrencetown a
more interesting place to walk
and explore.

email: lcg@lawrencetown.com  Find us on Facebook / Lawrencetown Community Development Group

Engage with local national
no
250cost
school in 2017 to enhance
mutual learning, raise
awareness and assist with
larger school projects if
required. The school will
focus on Global energy
in 2017 and 2018 and how
their energy use impacts
at a global level. The
school also reports to SEAI
annually on their energy
usage as part of the public
sector 33% reduction target
by 2020. The local national
school has achieved 6
green flag awards and is
now working towards its
7th award.

Engage with National
School

3.6

300

Erect signage in village
and hold community talks/
seminars on sustainability
to raise awareness.
Hold meetings in village
explaining the benefits of
sustainability, available
grant schemes etc.

Promote Awareness.

3.5

Involve entire community in
reporting their energy, water
usage and waste production
which is the first step in
managing energy and water
usage and managing waste
production.

Become an energy aware, waste
aware, sustainable community.

Establish a community
composting scheme for all
residents. Liaise with Galway Co
Co for guidance.

100

Start a composting
facility in the Parish
community garden for
use in the village by the
social employment scheme
workers.

Composting

Apply for a better energy
community (BEC) grant scheme
in 2018 in order to improve
energy usage of community
service buildings, street lighting
and homes in Lawrencetown.

LONG-TERM GOALS

250

COST

3.4

Become a member of SEAI
SEC programme and begin
work on establishing a
sustainable energy plan for
Lawrencetown.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

Become a Sustainable
Energy Community (SEC).

ACTION

Sustainability

3.3

1.

3. Sustainability
3. Sustainability

500

150

100

100,000

COST

Rural Youth
Rural Environment
Rural Tourism
Protection and sustainable use of
water resources
Development of renewable energy

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Rural Youth
Rural Environment
Rural Tourism
Protection and improvement of local
biodiversity
Development of renewable energy

email: lcg@lawrencetown.com  Find us on Facebook / Lawrencetown Community Development Group

4.

Village Enhancement & Infrastructure

Overhead Wires

Street lighting

4.1

4.2

ACTION

Lawrencetown is
inadequately lit both in terms
of number of lamp-posts
and quality of light available.
Conduct survey of lighting
in cooperation with County
council engineers and service
provider (Electric Skyline) to
ascertain required number
of lights, type of lamps
required and costs to bring
Lawrencetown up to a well
illuminated standard. As part
of investigating the removal
of overhead wires, investigate
the possibility to replace
the existing lamp heads
and lamp posts with a more
traditional and aesthetically
pleasing solution.

Manage overhead wires
in village. Overhead wires
create an unsightly look in
a village and moreover are
prone to storm damage and
other damage. Investigate in
2017 the possibility to place
overhead wires underground,
the technical requirements
involved, estimated costs.
Engage with all stakeholders
ie local residents, ESB,
County Council Engineers,
local councillors, EIR etc

SHORT-TERM GOALS

4. Infrastructure & Aesthetics

3,000

100

COST €

INDICATIVE
COST

In centre of village
introduce traditional
lampposts to restore
village to traditional
state.

All approach roads and
paths should be lit to a
high standard.

Eliminate overhead
electricity and phone
wires from village
and restore village to
traditional state.

LONG-TERM GOALS

150,000

35,000

COST €

INDICATIVE
COST

Sustainability
Rural Towns
Rural Tourism

3.
4.
5.

Rural Tourism

5.

Rural Environment

Rural Towns

4.

2.

Sustainability

3.

Economic Development, Enterprise
Development & Job Creation

Rural Environment

2.

1.

Economic Development, Enterprise
Development & Job Creation

1.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME THEMES

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Appendices / Appendix 4: Community Detailed Action Plan

email: lcg@lawrencetown.com  Find us on Facebook / Lawrencetown Community Development Group

38

39

Village Enhancement & Infrastructure

Develop amenity areas
in village

Main street

4.3

4.4

ACTION

4.

Lawrencetown is a small
village with one main
thoroughfare. Use the main
street as a link between
the village greens/ amenity
areas to create a more
cohesive village. Introduce
paving in the village to
create an aesthetic link
throughout, to encourage
traffic calming and to remove
parking off footpaths. In 2017
assess these areas, create
a landscape/ streetscape
plan for same and evaluate
costings to carry out
development works.

There are 3 primary amenity
areas in the village of
Lawrencetown: The green
in the centre of the village
between the two pubs, the
green area at the top of
the village and the Lisheen
walk. These areas have had
development work carried
out over the recent past but
require further work. In 2017
assess these areas, create
a landscape/ streetscape
plan for same and evaluate
costings to carry out
development works.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

4. Infrastructure & Aesthetics

60,000

3000

COST €

COST
INDICATIVE

Create a long term plan
for the development
of the village, estimate
costings and work
towards securing funding
for same in 2018.

There should be a link
between the amenity
areas in the village, they
should be attractive
and accessible to all
residents and they
should be sign posted to
encourage use.

LONG-TERM GOALS

1500

15,000

COST €

COST
INDICATIVE

Sustainability
Rural Towns
Rural Tourism

3.
4.
5.

Rural Tourism

5.

Rural Environment

Rural Towns

4.

2.

Sustainability

3.

Economic Development, Enterprise
Development & Job Creation

Rural Environment

2.

1.

Economic Development, Enterprise
Development & Job Creation

1.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME THEMES

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Appendices / Appendix 4: Community Detailed Action Plan

email: lcg@lawrencetown.com  Find us on Facebook / Lawrencetown Community Development Group

4.

Village Enhancement & Infrastructure

Road & Path upgrades

Signage

4.5

4.6

ACTION

An assessment of signage
in the village to be done in
2017 with a view to reducing
the number of signs and
poles in the village and
creating a more coordinated
and cohesive information
management system.
Welcome signs for the village
to be designed to incorporate
necessary information and to
create a definitive boundary
for the village.

Lawrencetown has
inadequate accessibility to
the village especially for
the elderly and children.
The existing paths are
not in a serviceable state
and there are dangerous
junctions which require
footpaths. There is no traffic
management or calming in
the village and no controlled
pedestrian crossing. In 2017
the existing paths need to
be made serviceable from a
health & safety point of view,
the existing paths need to
be continued, a plan put in
place for the continuation
and completion of the
paths and an agreed roads
improvement programme for
the village and surrounding
areas established.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

4. Infrastructure & Aesthetics

400

Improve signage in
village and develop a
signage plan for the
village

8,000

200,000

A long term plan for
the improvement of
roads in the area to
include safety and traffic
calming measures and
a long term plan for the
completion and ongoing
maintenance of the
paths in the village to be
developed and adhered
to.

70,000

COST
INDICATIVE
COST €

LONG-TERM GOALS

COST €

COST
INDICATIVE

Sustainability
Rural Towns
Rural Tourism

3.
4.
5.

Rural Tourism

5.

Rural Environment

Rural Towns

4.

2.

Sustainability

3.

Economic Development, Enterprise
Development & Job Creation

Rural Environment

2.

1.

Economic Development, Enterprise
Development & Job Creation

1.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME THEMES

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Appendices / Appendix 4: Community Detailed Action Plan

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40

4.

Village Enhancement & Infrastructure

41

Enhance statues/
sculptures in village

Painting Plan

4.7

4.8

ACTION

A simple way to improve
a village is to ensure that
paint work is completed and
continued and maintained.
Develop a painting plan
for the village with local
residents and business
owners in 2017. Utilise the
social employment scheme
workers where possible and
appropriate.

There are two beautiful
monuments in Lawrencetown
– the statue of Our Lady
outside the community
hall and the sculpture of
Diarmuid & Grainne in the
top green area. Both of these
monuments require some
information and definitive
framing to enhance their
attractiveness. Develop a
design and costing in 2017 to
carry out this work.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

4. Infrastructure & Aesthetics

1500

300.00

COST €

INDICATIVE
COST

Implement painting plan
insofar as is possible in a
coordinated way over the
period 2017 – 2020. This
will require fundraising,
goodwill and local
volunteers to assist.

Enhance the monuments
in lawrencetown to make
them more attractive and
informative.

LONG-TERM GOALS

10,000

4,000

COST €

INDICATIVE
COST

Sustainability
Rural Towns
Rural Tourism

3.
4.
5.

Rural Tourism

5.

Rural Environment

Rural Towns

4.

2.

Sustainability

3.

Economic Development, Enterprise
Development & Job Creation

Rural Environment

2.

1.

Economic Development, Enterprise
Development & Job Creation

1.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME THEMES

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Appendices / Appendix 4: Community Detailed Action Plan

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4.

Village Enhancement & Infrastructure

Planting Plan

Restoration

4.9

4.10

ACTION

Restore all old pumps on the
approach roads to the village
(potentially 3 more) around
the locality to the standard of
the one on road to graveyard
and in village green.

Another simple way to
improve a village is to ensure
that planting of flowers and
maintenance of trees, plants
and especially flowers is
completed and continued.
Develop a planting plan
for the village with local
residents and business
owners in 2017. Utilise the
social employment scheme
workers where possible and
appropriate.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

4. Infrastructure & Aesthetics

1000

1500

COST €

INDICATIVE
COST

Assess other actions to
enhance the approach
roads

Implement planting plan
insofar as is possible in a
coordinated way over the
period 2017 – 2020. This
will require fundraising,
goodwill and local
volunteers to assist.

LONG-TERM GOALS

No cost

15,000

COST €

INDICATIVE
COST

Sustainability
Rural Towns
Rural Tourism

3.
4.
5.

Rural Tourism

5.

Rural Environment

Rural Towns

4.

2.

Sustainability

3.

Economic Development, Enterprise
Development & Job Creation

Rural Environment

2.

1.

Economic Development, Enterprise
Development & Job Creation

1.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME THEMES

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Appendices / Appendix 4: Community Detailed Action Plan

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42

4.

Village Enhancement & Infrastructure

43

The ‘Store’ building

Community Field

5.1

5.2

ACTION

Engage with community
on best use of the land.
Investigate multi-use options
eg sports pitch, childcare
facilities, play areas, school
facilities, school parking
etc. Ascertain costings
for detailed designs and
planning applications.
Engage with local TDs and
Councillors for advice on
most appropriate use,
funding mechanisms and
engagement with relevant
government departments e.g.
Dept of Education, Dept of
Sports, Department of local
government etc. Develop
drawings and plans.

1. Assess potential use of
store for use by community,
training companies, office
space, SMEs etc
2. Renovate store to
accommodate best sector
use potential to a standard
commensurate with
workplace basic regulations
for comfort conditions.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

5. Community Asset Development

10,000

5,000

No cost

COST €

INDICATIVE
COST

1. Once a decision is
made in cooperation with
community on best use
of the asset apply for
planning permission for
either (a) first phase of
development or (b) entire
development
2. Apply for funding to
complete development
for the site

Apply for heritage grant
for refurbishment of
store including roof and
basement

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4.

Village Enhancement & Infrastructure

Community Hall

Village sewerage scheme

5.3

5.4

ACTION

Ascertain the need and
desire for a public sewerage
scheme in Lawrencetown.
In 2009 a plan for such a
scheme had been approved
by Galway Co Co and the Dept
of the Environment but due
to the economic crash the
tendering process for the
work was halted. If approved
by the community a request
for funding to Galway Co Co
will be made.

The community hall is a
Parish asset and is a valuable
and essential asset to the
community. Investigate
with the local parish priest
and the wider community
the best use of the hall,
potential for extension of the
hall or potential for a new
community hall in the village,
its location, its potential use
etc.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

5. Community Asset Development

1,000

1,000

COST €

COST
INDICATIVE

Lawrencetown to have a
public sewerage scheme
installed.

Dependent on the
desires of the community
and the desires of the
parish priest. Ultimate
objective would be to
have a suitably sized
community hall which
can accommodate the
needs of the community.
This long- term plan will
be dependent on the
concurrent assessment
of the best use of the
community field.

Survey the community
to assess the level of
commuting for work, average
wages, the desire of the
community for employment
in the area, the potential for
local business development.
Engage with Enterprise
Ireland to assess supports for
potential start-ups.

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4.

Village Enhancement & Infrastructure

10.3

Training &
Education

ACTION

Assess the needs of the
community for training and
education, assess if and
where gaps exist, assess
where training might be best
focused i.e. basic skills or
high level skills. Assess if
there is a symbiosis between
training & education and the
potential for Enterprise in
the area.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

500

COST

Gain an understanding
of where school leavers
see their future and the
reasons for same. Gain
an understanding of
where there might exist
an indigenous need for
training bearing in mind
that many basic skill
courses are offered in
surrounding large towns.
Identify high skill areas
where training would be of
particular value.

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56

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Appendices / Appendix 5: Traffic Survey Summary
(For full details of the traffic survey including exact times, dates and vehicle
classifications of vehicles moving through the village please request a copy of survey
from the Community Development Group).
TRAFFIC SURVEY REQUIREMENT

2. Parking Observations at Lawrencetown National School from 08:30 - 09:30 & from 13:30 - 15:30 on 2
different days.

3. Note numbers parking in designated and undesignated areas

4. Note potential/conflicts between pedestrian and vehicles

TRAFFIC SURVEY OBJECTIVES
1. To ascertain the volume of traffic and the average and median speeds of traffic passing
Lawrencetown National School.
2. To assess with empirical evidence if there are parking issues and safety issues associated with lack
of adequate school parking to verify the anecdotal evidence of same.
3. To quantify the volume of traffic passing through Lawrencetown for other use e.g. for use by local
business owners.

SUMMARY
The traffic survey was conducted outside the local national school on the R335 and measured traffic
volumes going both ways on the Ballinasloe- Lawrencetown- Portumna route. The survey did not take into
account traffic travelling on the Portumna – Lawrencetown – Eyrecourt/ Banagher route. Therefore real
traffic volumes would be higher if this thoroughfare was also taken into account.

(ii) 36% of vehicles passing the school on the side nearest the school (Lawrencetown – Ballinasloe)
REF:
IDA-17-016 Laurencetown
travel at between 70 – 80 kph
1
1
0
2

DAY:sideThursday
- Wednesday
(iii) 20% of vehicles passing the school on the
opposite
the school (Ballinasloe – Lawrencetown)
DATE:
09/02/2017 - 16/02/2017
travel at between 70 – 80 kph. This is likely due to vehicles having to slow down as they approach
the store corner.
Speed Survey
1
0
3
1
1
5
3

(iv) 10% of vehicles passing the school travel
at between 80 – 90 kph
Northbound
10

= 4204
(v) 2% of vehicles passing the school travelVehicles
at between
90 – 100 kph

(i) Evidence of set down and temporary parking in the following areas:

1. In designated parking spots outside school gates

2. Parking along verges North of school

3. Parking along verges South of school

4. Parking on footpaths South of school

5. Parking in the grass verge opposite the school

6. Parking in the bus stop

7. Parking on the road in front of the designated parking

D. Pedestrians

(i) There was evidence of:
1. Pedestrians exiting and entering vehicles on the traffic side of the vehicles (risk of
collision with oncoming traffic)
2. Pedestrians having to cross the main road at the school (no pedestrian crossing or traffic
calming)

E. Congestion

(i) On average non-school going traffic was obstructed 12 times daily by school parking.

f. Dangerous observations

i.

The following observations were noted which raise cause for concern at the risk of a serious
incident.

1.

Vehicles parking South of the school perform U-Turns into oncoming traffic when leaving the
school area

2.

Vehicles reverse from the designated parking area on to the live carriageway into oncoming traffic

3.

Double parking on the live carriageway outside the designated parking area when full

4.

Entering and existing cars on the traffic side of the vehicles forcing oncoming traffic to move to
other side of road to avoid pedestrians

5.

Bus parking on live carriage way due to overspill of cars from designated parking area into bus
parking area.

59

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

NOTES

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60

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 - 2022

Introduction

This strategic plan
was compiled by
Lawrencetown Community
Development Group.
•
Developing the village
of Lawrencetown as an attractive,
cohesive & vibrant community
for all its citizens.
•
If you have any comments
or questions please email the group
at lcg@lawrencetown.com

Community Development Group CLG
email: lcg@lawrencetown.com  Find us on Facebook / Lawrencetown Community Development Group